MINEX Forum

Tag: battery-grade lithium

  • Vulcan Energy Completes Preliminary Feasibility Study for Project Ludwig in Germany

    Vulcan Energy Completes Preliminary Feasibility Study for Project Ludwig in Germany

    Vulcan Energy (ASX: VUL, FSE: VUL) has announced the completion of its Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) for Project Ludwig, marking a significant advancement in its lithium and geothermal energy production strategy in the Ludwigshafen region of Germany. This project is set to build on the successes and learnings from Vulcan’s first phase, Project Lionheart, and aims to establish an integrated lithium chemical and renewable heat production facility within the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF).

    The PFS highlights robust economic metrics, projecting a pre-tax net present value (NPV8) of €2.6 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.0% over a planned 30-year operational life. Notably, Project Ludwig is expected to produce 21,100 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) while also generating 3,125 GWh per annum of renewable heat for both internal use and external sales. The capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the project is estimated at €1.26 billion, reflecting a 15% reduction in capital intensity compared to Project Lionheart, showcasing Vulcan’s commitment to capital efficiency and sustainable production practices.

    The study indicates a significant increase in mineral resources, with indicated lithium resources rising from 655 kt LCE to 1,251 kt LCE, and inferred resources increasing from 2,128 kt LCE to 2,230 kt LCE. Additionally, a maiden geothermal resource estimate of 193 PJ has been established, further solidifying the project’s potential.

    Vulcan’s Managing Director and CEO, Cris Moreno, expressed optimism about Project Ludwig, stating that it represents a strategic next step in the company’s phased development approach. The project aims to leverage Vulcan’s existing infrastructure and expertise gained from Lionheart, applying a proven integrated geothermal-lithium development model to enhance shareholder value and contribute to Europe’s critical raw materials supply chain.

    The PFS was conducted with support from Worley and JordProxa, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s technical and economic viability. As Vulcan prepares for a Final Investment Decision (FID) post-Lionheart production commencement, it is also pursuing an asset-level financing strategy to advance Project Ludwig, with strategic partner selection processes already underway. The project aligns with the European Union’s focus on securing sustainable domestic supply chains for critical raw materials, particularly lithium, as the demand for electric vehicles and battery storage continues to rise.

    Project Ludwig not only aims to enhance Vulcan’s lithium production capabilities but also integrates renewable geothermal heat generation, positioning the company as a key player in the transition to a sustainable energy future in Europe.

  • Lithium Ark Secures European Patent for Innovative Lithium Refining Process

    Lithium Ark Secures European Patent for Innovative Lithium Refining Process

    Lithium Ark, a pioneering technology company in the lithium refining sector, has successfully obtained a European patent for its innovative “Ark Loop” process. This proprietary technology is designed to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide directly from lithium chloride, whether in solution or crystal form. The significance of this patent lies in its ability to simplify the lithium value chain by eliminating the need to produce, transport, and reconvert lithium carbonate, while still allowing for the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate as required by customers.

    The Ark Loop process not only streamlines operations but also enhances sustainability. By employing a closed-loop system that recycles potassium and eliminates the need for external reagents, the process contributes to a more self-sustaining refining pathway. According to Peter Ehren, co-founder and CTO of Lithium Ark, the re-engineered refining process results in up to 89% lower carbon emissions, a 75% reduction in water consumption, and a 49% decrease in energy use. Additionally, it can cut operational and capital expenditure costs by up to 50%, facilitating faster and more scalable deployment.

    Lithium Ark has also secured patents for its technology in the United States and Chile, making the European patent a crucial milestone as the company progresses towards commercial deployment. The first commercial facility is set to be developed in Antwerp, Belgium, where the Ark Loop technology will be demonstrated at an industrial scale, paving the way for future global expansion.

    The naming of the technology as Ark Loop not only reflects its connection to Lithium Ark but also highlights the circular nature of its underlying chemistry. The removal of soda ash from the refining process is a key factor in achieving significant emissions reductions, further solidifying the importance of this innovation in the lithium refining landscape. As Lithium Ark moves closer to commercial deployment, the Ark Loop process is poised to deliver cleaner, lower-cost, and more efficient lithium refining solutions on a global scale.

  • Zinnwald Lithium’s Share Prices Surge Following Resource Estimate Update

    Zinnwald Lithium’s Share Prices Surge Following Resource Estimate Update

    Germany-focused Zinnwald Lithium (LON: ZNWD) experienced a significant increase in its shares on Friday after announcing a 50% boost in the mineral resource estimate for its flagship project in Saxony. The lithium producer, which had initially forecasted an annual production of 12,000 tonnes, now expects to produce 16,000 to 18,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium per annum.

    This update positions Zinnwald as the second largest hard rock lithium project in the European Union and the third largest in Europe by resource size and contained lithium. Europe’s largest hard rock lithium deposit is the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic, owned by European Metals (ASX, LON: EMH) and state-controlled utility CEZ.

    In response to the updated assessment, Zinnwald announced plans to conduct a pre-feasibility study (PFS) to enhance the expanded project and explore potential for a second production phase. This study will also focus on minimizing environmental and community impact while evaluating technical test work and trade-offs. Chief executive officer Anton du Plessis stated that the PFS is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. “We have already completed many workstreams, with several more underway or nearing completion,” du Plessis said. “Key upcoming milestones include ongoing metallurgical testwork, detailed mine planning, permitting, and commercial activities.”

    While Zinnwald is in a secure financial position, it is seeking support from the German federal and state governmentsafter receiving an invitation in June to apply for grant funding. If successful, 70% of the funding will come from the federal government, with the remaining 30% from the State of Saxony, which has already shown support for the battery-chain project.

    Located approximately 35km from Dresden, in the heart of Europe’s chemical and car industries, the project is expected to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and lithium fluoride (Li2CO3, LiOH, LiF) or a combination of these products.

    Despite a dramatic drop in lithium prices over the past 18 months due to slowing growth in electric vehicle sales and market oversupply, Zinnwald Lithium’s stock rose nearly 5% following the announcement, trading at 8.2p near closing time. This increase leaves the company with a market capitalization of £38.84 million ($50.4m).

  • Cornish Lithium raises $6.2m to keep UK project alive

    Cornish Lithium raises $6.2m to keep UK project alive

    British start-up Cornish Lithium has successfully raised £5.1 million, or approximately $6.2 million, through an impressive crowdfunding campaign. This campaign stands out as one of the largest of its kind carried out in the UK this year. In fact, it holds the distinction of being the largest campaign by a B2B business on Crowdcube in 2023. Existing shareholders were given priority access to the financing round with Crowdcube, resulting in a remarkable investment of £1 million, or $1.2 million, in just 27 minutes.

    The crowdfunding initiative, launched in early September, aimed to provide both existing shareholders of Cornish Lithium and new retail shareholders the opportunity to invest alongside the £67 million, or $82 million, granted by the UK Infrastructure Bank, the Energy and Minerals Group, and TechMet. With this comprehensive investment package, as well as the funds raised through the crowdfunding campaign, Cornish Lithium will be able to advance its Trelavour project, which focuses on extracting lithium from hard rock in Cornwall, southwest England. The project’s objective is to produce approximately 8,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium hydroxide.

    The Trelavour hard rock lithium project comprises an open pit mine of lithium-enriched granite and associated processing facilities that will yield a concentrate of lithium-bearing mica. The mica concentrate will then be used to produce lithium hydroxide at an industrial site near the mine. According to a scoping study supported by the UK’s Automotive Transformation Fund and the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Trelavour mine is projected to produce 25 million tonnes per annum. With an estimated operational life of 20 years, the mine aims to generate an average of 7,800 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually.

    Cornish Lithium had initially targeted commencing production by 2026, which would have strategically positioned the company to take advantage of the European Union’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its automotive supply chains around battery metals and promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. It is worth noting that another company, British Lithium, has also set its sights on Cornwall for its battery metals ambitions. In collaboration with France’s Imerys, British Lithium plans to establish a mine capable of producing enough lithium to power 500,000 electric vehicles annually by the end of the decade.

    Currently, the UK relies on lithium imports from leading global producers, namely Australia and Chile, as it does not possess any domestic lithium operations. Recognizing the need for a secure and sustainable domestic supply of lithium, Cornish Lithium and other companies are actively working towards filling this gap in the market. Furthermore, with the European Commission’s ambitious plans to construct large-scale battery plants that will support the production of cells for at least six million electric vehicles by 2025, British carmakers face mounting pressure. The UK government has made a commitment to cease the sale of new diesel and gasoline vehicles by 2035, further emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives such as electric vehicles.

  • European Lithium doubles Wolfsberg Project footprint on grant of new licenses

    European Lithium doubles Wolfsberg Project footprint on grant of new licenses

    European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR, OTCQB:EULIF) has taken another step toward becoming Europe’s first local producer of battery-grade lithium on being granted new mining licenses and extensions which double the footprint of the advanced Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria.

    A public hearing conducted by the Austrian Mining Authority has resulted in the new licenses and extensions, which come as the continent marches on in the strengthening transition to green energy.

    The company has been granted six new mining licenses while three existing licenses have been extended with one of the extensions applying to the existing Andreas field and two to the newly assigned Barbara field.

    Austrian fast-track

    European Lithium chairman Tony Sage said: “The grant of these mining licenses further reinforces our belief that Wolfsberg will be the first local producer of battery-grade lithium in Europe to fuel the green energy transition.

    “The Wolfsberg Project benefits from Austria’s robust and mature mining industry that reflects many of the aims of the EU’s proposed Critical Raw Materials Act, including a fast track for critical projects like ours.”

    Beyond existing resource

    Wolfsberg Project tenement map.

    EUR’s mining licenses now extend beyond the existing Wolfsberg lithium resource and almost double the project’s footprint.

    There are now 20 licenses covering the Wolfsberg Project, which almost double the footprint for the proposed underground mining operations.

    The licenses and extensions flow on from the Wolfsberg Project Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) released in March 2023 in which mine planning and design incorporated an expanded resource.

    At the time, EUR identified several mining fields extending outside existing license areas that had the potential to be mined in the future.

    Since the DFS, the company applied for a new mining field, called Barbara, adjacent to the existing mining field called Andreas, which contains 11 mining licenses.

    The Barbara mining field provides the company with six new licenses along with the three extended licenses.

    READ: European Lithium strengthens critical minerals portfolio on securing Austrian projects with sample grades up to 3.98%

    European Lithium has also recently increased its Austrian critical minerals portfolio by securing other projects separate to Wolfsberg which have returned sample grades up to 3.98% and have potential to add to the company’s lithium bounty.

    “Significant upside”

    “The grant of the new mining licenses and license extensions provides significant upside to mining operations in the future,” the company’s CEO, Dietrich Wanke, said.

    “We are encouraged by this successful grant as we move toward operational readiness of the Wolfsberg Project,” he added.